Method of Treating Cancer and Bone Cancer Pain

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to the treatment of cancer, particularly lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer that has metastasized to the bone. The invention is also directed to a method for treating bone cancer pain in an individual in need of such treatment comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/481,682, filed May 2, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/557,366, filed Nov. 8, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to the treatment of cancer, particularly to cancers where bone disease is common. These cancers include breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer, as well as others, using a compound of Formula I as disclosed herein. In addition to treating these forms of cancer, the compound of Formula I can be used to treat the pain associated with bone metastases. The ability of the compound of Formula I to treat these and other forms of cancer and the associated bone pain can be monitored using imaging technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging, among other methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bone disease is common in patients with prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. As an example, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Despite progress in systemic therapy for CRPC, improvements in survival are modest, and virtually all patients succumb to this disease with a median survival of about 2 years. The primary cause of morbidity and mortality in CRPC is metastasis to the bone, which occurs in about 90% of cases.

Metastasis to bone is a complex process involving interactions between the cancer cell and components of the bone microenvironment including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and endothelial cells. Bone metastases cause local disruption of normal bone remodeling, and lesions generally show a propensity for either osteoblastic (bone-forming) or osteolytic (bone-resorbing) activity. Although most CRPC patients with bone metastases display features of both types of lesions, prostate cancer bone metastases are often osteoblastic, with abnormal deposition of unstructured bone accompanied by increased skeletal fractures, spinal cord compression, and severe bone pain.

The receptor tyrosine kinase MET plays important roles in cell motility, proliferation, and survival, and has been shown to be a key factor in tumor angiogenesis, invasiveness, and metastasis. Prominent expression of MET has been observed in primary and metastatic prostate carcinomas, with evidence for higher levels of expression in bone metastases compared to lymph node metastases or primary tumors.

MET signaling can influence osteoblast and osteoclast function. Strong immunohistochemical staining of MET has been observed in osteoblasts in developing bone, while both HGF and MET are expressed by osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro and regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Secretion of HGF by osteoblasts has been proposed as a key factor in osteoblast/osteoclast coupling and is thought to promote the development of bone metastases by tumor cells that express MET.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors on endothelial cells are widely accepted as key mediators in the process of tumor angiogenesis. In prostate cancer, elevated VEGF in either plasma or urine is associated with shorter overall survival. VEGF may also play a role in activating the MET pathway in tumor cells by binding to neuropilin-1, which is frequently upregulated in prostate cancer and appears to activate MET in a co-receptor complex. Agents targeting the VEGF signaling pathway have demonstrated some activity in patients with CRPC, as well as breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer.

Like MET, the VEGF signaling pathway is strongly implicated in bone formation and remodeling. Both osteoblasts and osteoclasts express VEGF and VEGF receptors, which appear to be involved in autocrine and/or paracrine feedback mechanisms regulating cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival [62-66]. Experiments using genetically modified mice have shown that angiogenesis and VEGF signaling in osteoblasts are both important in bone development and repair.

A need remains for methods of treating cancer in human patients with breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer, and the bone metastases associated with these forms of cancer. A need also remains for a method of treating bone cancer or pain associated with bone metastases in individuals in need of such treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are met by the present invention which is directed to a method for treating bone cancer associated with breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, lung cancer, and thyroid cancer. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that modulates both MET and VEGF signaling to a patient in need of such treatment. In some embodiments, the bone cancer is bone metastases associated with breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating bone metastases, lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, or bone metastases associated with breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that modulates both MET and VEGF signaling to a patient in need of such treatment. In some embodiments, the bone cancer or metastases is osteoblastic bone cancer or bone metastases.

In one embodiment of this and other aspects, the dual acting MET/VEGF inhibitor is a compound of Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

-   -   R¹ is halo;     -   R² is halo;     -   R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl;     -   R⁴ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl; and     -   Q is CH or N.

In another embodiment, the compound of Formula I is compound 1:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Compound 1 is known as N-(4-{[6,7-bis(methyloxy)quinolin-4-yl]oxy}phenyl)-N′-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating bone metastases associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient in need of such treatment comprising Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing or stabilizing metastatic bone lesions associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient in need of such treatment comprising Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing bone pain due to metastatic bone lesions associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient in need of such treatment comprising Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating or minimising bone pain due to metastatic bone lesions associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient in need of such treatment comprising Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for preventing bone metastases associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient in need of such treatment comprising Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for preventing bone metastases in patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, who have not yet advanced to metastatic disease, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient in need of such treatment comprising Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for extending the overall survival in patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient in need of such treatment comprising Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating bone cancer pain in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a Compound of Formula I or the malate salt of Compound of Formula I or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of Compound of Formula I, to a patient in need of such treatment. In a specific embodiment, the Compound of Formula I is Compound 1. In this aspect, the bone cancer pain can originate from bone cancer, osteosarcoma, as well as from cancer metastasized to bone. Thus, in this aspect, the bone cancer pain can be from the list including but not limited to bone metastases from lung cancer, breast cancer, sarcoma, or renal cancer.

In these and other aspects, the ability of the compound of Formula Ito treat, ameliorate, or reduce the severity of bone metastases can be determined both qualitatively and quantitatively using various physiological markers, such as circulating biomarkers of bone turnover (i.e. bALP, CTx, and NTx), circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts, and imaging technologies. The imaging technologies include positron emission tomography (PET) or computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. By using these imaging techniques, it is possible to monitor and quantify the reduction in tumor size and the reduction in the number and size of bone lesions in response to treatment with the compound of Formula 1.

In these and other aspects, shrinkage of soft tissue and visceral lesions has been observed to result when the compound of Formula I is administered to patients with CRPC. Moreover, administration of the compound of Formula I leads to increases in hemoglobin concentration in patients CRPC patients with anemia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-C show the bone scan (FIG. 1A), bone scan response (FIG. 1B), and CT scan data (FIG. 1C) for Patient 1 having CRPC.

FIGS. 2A-C show the bone scan (FIG. 2A), bone scan response (FIG. 2B), and CT scan data (FIG. 2C) for Patient 2 having CRPC.

FIGS. 3A-B show the bone scan (FIG. 3A), bone scan response (FIG. 3B) for Patient 3 having CRPC.

FIG. 4A and B shows the bone scan (FIG. 4A), bone scan response (FIG. 4B) for a Patient having renal cell carcinoma with bone metastases.

FIG. 5A and 5B shows the bone scan (FIG. 5A), bone scan response (FIG. 5B) for a Patient having melanoma with bone metastases.

FIG. 6 shows a CT scan of a bone metastasis from a patient with differentiated thyroid cancer before (FIG. 6A) and after (FIG. 6B) treatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Abbreviations and Definitions

The following abbreviations and terms have the indicated meanings throughout:

Abbreviation Meaning Ac Acetyl bALP Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase Br Broad ° C. Degrees Celsius c- Cyclo CBZ CarboBenZoxy = benzyloxycarbonyl CTx Cross-linked C-terminal telopeptides of type-1 collagen d Doublet dd Doublet of doublet dt Doublet of triplet DCM Dichloromethane DME 1,2-dimethoxyethane DMF N,N-Dimethylformamide DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide Dppf 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphano)ferrocene EI Electron Impact ionization G Gram(s) h or hr Hour(s) HPLC High pressure liquid chromatography L Liter(s) M Molar or molarity m Multiplet Mg Milligram(s) MHz Megahertz (frequency) Min Minute(s) mL Milliliters) μL Microliter(s) μM Micromole(s) or micromolar mM Millimolar Mmol Millimole(s) Mol Mole(s) MS Mass spectral analysis N Normal or normality nM Nanomolar NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy NTx Cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type-1 collagen q Quartet RT Room temperature s Singlet t or tr Triplet TFA Trifluoroacetic acid THF Tetrahydrofuran TLC Thin layer chromatography

The symbol “—” means a single bond, “═” means a double bond.

When chemical structures are depicted or described, unless explicitly stated otherwise, all carbons are assumed to have hydrogen substitution to conform to a valence of four. For example, in the structure on the left-hand side of the schematic below there are nine hydrogens implied. The nine hydrogens are depicted in the right-hand structure. Sometimes a particular atom in a structure is described in textual formula as having a hydrogen or hydrogens as substitution (expressly defined hydrogen), for example, —CH₂CH₂—. It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the aforementioned descriptive techniques are common in the chemical arts to provide brevity and simplicity to description of otherwise complex structures.

If a group “R” is depicted as “floating” on a ring system, as for example in the formula:

then, unless otherwise defined, a substituent “R” may reside on any atom of the ring system, assuming replacement of a depicted, implied, or expressly defined hydrogen from one of the ring atoms, so long as a stable structure is formed.

If a group “R” is depicted as floating on a fused ring system, as for example in the formulae:

then, unless otherwise defined, a substituent “R” may reside on any atom of the fused ring system, assuming replacement of a depicted hydrogen (for example the —NH— in the formula above), implied hydrogen (for example as in the formula above, where the hydrogens are not shown but understood to be present), or expressly defined hydrogen (for example where in the formula above, “Z” equals ═CH—) from one of the ring atoms, so long as a stable structure is formed. In the example depicted, the “R” group may reside on either the 5-membered or the 6-membered ring of the fused ring system. When a group “R” is depicted as existing on a ring system containing saturated carbons, as for example in the formula:

where, in this example, “y” can be more than one, assuming each replaces a currently depicted, implied, or expressly defined hydrogen on the ring; then, unless otherwise defined, where the resulting structure is stable, two “R's” may reside on the same carbon. A simple example is when R is a methyl group; there can exist a geminal dimethyl on a carbon of the depicted ring (an “annular” carbon). In another example, two R's on the same carbon, including that carbon, may form a ring, thus creating a spirocyclic ring (a “spirocyclyl” group) structure with the depicted ring as for example in the formula:

“Halogen” or “halo” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

“Yield” for each of the reactions described herein is expressed as a percentage of the theoretical yield.

“Patient” for the purposes of the present invention includes humans and other animals, particularly mammals, and other organisms. Thus the methods are applicable to both human therapy and veterinary applications. In another embodiment the patient is a mammal, and in another embodiment the patient is human.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” of a compound means a salt that is pharmaceutically acceptable and that possesses the desired pharmacological activity of the parent compound. It is understood that the pharmaceutically acceptable salts are non-toxic. Additional information on suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17^(th) ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1985, which is incorporated herein by reference or S. M. Berge, et al., “Pharmaceutical Salts,” J. Pharm. Sci., 1977;66:1-19 both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include those formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; as well as organic acids such as acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, cyclopentanepropionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, 3-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, 4-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 4-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, glucoheptonic acid, 4,4′-methylenebis-(3-hydroxy-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid), 3-phenylpropionic acid, trimethylacetic acid, tertiary butylacetic acid, lauryl sulfuric acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, salicylic acid, stearic acid, muconic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and salicylic acid and the like.

“Prodrug” refers to compounds that are transformed (typically rapidly) in vivo to yield the parent compound of the above formulae, for example, by hydrolysis in blood. Common examples include, but are not limited to, ester and amide forms of a compound having an active form bearing a carboxylic acid moiety. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable esters of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, alkyl esters (for example with between about one and about six carbons) the alkyl group is a straight or branched chain. Acceptable esters also include cycloalkyl esters and arylalkyl esters such as, but not limited to benzyl. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable amides of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, primary amides, and secondary and tertiary alkyl amides (for example with between about one and about six carbons). Amides and esters of the compounds of the present invention may be prepared according to conventional methods. A thorough discussion of prodrugs is provided in T. Higuchi and V. Stella, “Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems,” Vol 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, ed. Edward B. Roche, American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, 1987, both of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

“Therapeutically effective amount” is an amount of a compound of the invention, that when administered to a patient, ameliorates a symptom of the disease. A therapeutically effective amount is intended to include an amount of a compound alone or in combination with other active ingredients effective to modulate c-Met, and/or VEGFR2, or effective to treat or prevent cancer. The amount of a compound of the invention which constitutes a “therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on the compound, the disease state and its severity, the age of the patient to be treated, and the like. The therapeutically effective amount can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art having regard to their knowledge and to this disclosure.

“Treating” or “treatment” of a disease, disorder, or syndrome, as used herein, includes (i) preventing the disease, disorder, or syndrome from occurring in a human, i.e. causing the clinical symptoms of the disease, disorder, or syndrome not to develop in an animal that may be exposed to or predisposed to the disease, disorder, or syndrome but does not yet experience or display symptoms of the disease, disorder, or syndrome; (ii) inhibiting the disease, disorder, or syndrome, i.e., arresting its development; and (iii) relieving the disease, disorder, or syndrome, i.e., causing regression of the disease, disorder, or syndrome. As is known in the art, adjustments for systemic versus localized delivery, age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, drug interaction and the severity of the condition may be necessary, and will be ascertainable with routine experience.

EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment the compound of Formula I is the compound of Formula Ia:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

-   -   R¹ is halo;     -   R² is halo; and     -   Q is CH or N.

In another embodiment, the compound of Formula I is Compound 1:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. As indicated previously, compound 1 is referred to herein as N-(4-{[6,7-bis(methyloxy)quinolin-4-yl]oxy}phenyl)-N′-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide. WO 2005/030140 discloses Compound 1 and describes how it is made (Example 12, 37, 38, and 48) and also discloses the therapeutic activity of this compound to inhibit, regulate and/or modulate the signal transduction of kinases, (Assays, Table 4, entry 289). Example 48 is on paragraph [0353] in WO 2005/030140.

In other embodiments, the compound of Formula I, Ia, or Compound 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is administered as a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutical composition additionally comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent. In a specific embodiment, the Compound of Formula I is Compound 1.

The compound of Formula I, Formula Ia, and Compound I, as described herein, includes both the recited compounds as well as individual isomers and mixtures of isomers. In each instance, the compound of Formula I includes the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and/or solvates of the recited compounds and any individual isomers or mixture of isomers thereof.

In other embodiments, the compound of Formula I, Ia, or Compound 1 can be the malate salt. The malate salt of the Compound of Formula I and of Compound 1 is disclosed in PCT/US2010/021194 and 61/325095.

In other embodiments, the compound of Formula I, Ia, or 1 can be the (D)-malate salt.

In other embodiments, the compound of Formula I, Ia, or 1 can be malate salt.

In other embodiments, the compound of Formula I, Ia, or 1 can be the (L)-malate salt.

In other embodiments, Compound 1 can be (D)-malate salt.

In other embodiments, Compound 1 can be the (L)-malate salt.

In another embodiment, the malate salt of Compound 1 is in the crystalline N-1 form of the (L) malate salt and/or the (D) malate salt of the Compound 1 as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/325095. Also see WO 2008/083319 for the properties of crystalline enantiomers, including the N-1 and/or the N-2 crystalline forms of the malate salt of Compound 1. Methods of making and characterizing such forms are fully described in PCT/US10/21194, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for ameliorating the symptoms of bone metastases, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In a specific embodiment, the Compound of Formula I is Compound 1.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for treating pain associated with bone metastases, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In a specific embodiment, the Compound of Formula I is Compound 1.

In another embodiment, the compound of Formula I is administered post-taxotere treatment. In a specific embodiment, the Compound of Formula I is Compound 1.

In another embodiment, the compound of Formula I is as effective or more effective than mitoxantrone plus prednisone. In a specific embodiment, the Compound of Formula I is Compound 1.

In another embodiment, the Compound of Formula I, Ia, or Compound 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered orally once daily as a tablet or capsule.

In another embodiment, Compound I is administered orally as its free base or malate salt as a capsule or tablet.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing up to 100 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 100 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 95 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 90 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 85 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing $0 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 75 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 70 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 65 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 60 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 55 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 50 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 45 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 40 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 30 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 25 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 20 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 15 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 10 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally once daily as its free base or as the malate salt as a capsule or tablet containing 5 mg of Compound 1.

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered as its free base or malate salt orally once daily as a tablet as provided in the following table.

Ingredient (% w/w) Compound 1 31.68 Microcrystalline Cellulose 38.85 Lactose anhydrous 19.42 Hydroxypropyl Cellulose 3.00 Croscarmellose Sodium 3.00 Total Intra-granular 95.95 Silicon dioxide, Colloidal 0.30 Croscarmellose Sodium 3.00 Magnesium Stearate 0.75 Total 100.00

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally as its free base or malate salt once daily as a tablet as provided in the following table.

Ingredient (% w/w) Compound 1 25.0-33.3 Microcrystalline Cellulose q.s Hydroxypropyl Cellulose 3 Poloxamer 0-3 Croscarmellose Sodium 6.0 Colloidal Silicon Dioxide 0.5 Magnesium Stearate 0.5-1.0 Total 100

In another embodiment, Compound 1 is administered orally as its free base or malate salt once daily as a tablet as provided in the following table.

Theoretical Quantity Ingredient (mg/unit dose) Compound 1 100.0 Microcrystalline Cellulose PH-102 155.4 Lactose Anhydrous 60M 77.7 Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, EXF 12.0 Croscarmellose Sodium 24 Colloidal Silicon Dioxide 1.2 Magnesium Stearate (Non-Bovine) 3.0 Opadry Yellow 16.0 Total 416

Any of the tablet formulations provided above can be adjusted according to the dose of Compound 1 desired. Thus, the amount of each of the formulation ingredients can be proportionally adjusted to provide a table formulation containing various amounts of Compound 1 as provided in the previous paragraphs. In another embodiment, the formulations can contain 20, 40, 60, or 80 mg of Compound 1.

Administration

Administration of the compound of Formula I, Formula Ia, or Compound 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in pure form or in an appropriate pharmaceutical composition, can be carried out via any of the accepted modes of administration or agents for serving similar utilities. Thus, administration can be, for example, orally, nasally, parenterally (intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous), topically, transdermally, intravaginally, intravesically, intracistemally, or rectally, in the form of solid, semi-solid, lyophilized powder, or liquid dosage forms, such as for example, tablets, suppositories, pills, soft elastic and hard gelatin dosages (which can be in capsules or tablets), powders, solutions, suspensions, or aerosols, or the like, specifically in unit dosage forms suitable for simple administration of precise dosages.

The compositions will include a conventional pharmaceutical carrier or excipient and a compound of Formula I as the/an active agent, and, in addition, may include carriers and adjuvants, etc.

Adjuvants include preserving, wetting, suspending, sweetening, flavoring, perfuming, emulsifying, and dispensing agents. Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, for example sugars, sodium chloride, and the like. Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

If desired, a pharmaceutical composition of the compound of Formula I may also contain minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, antioxidants, and the like, such as, for example, citric acid, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate, butylalted hydroxytoluene, etc.

The choice of composition depends on various factors such as the mode of drug administration (e.g., for oral administration, compositions in the form of tablets, pills or capsules) and the bioavailability of the drug substance. Recently, pharmaceutical compositions have been developed especially for drugs that show poor bioavailability based upon the principle that bioavailability can be increased by increasing the surface area i.e., decreasing particle size. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,288 describes a pharmaceutical composition having particles in the size range from 10 to 1,000 nm in which the active material is supported on a crosslinked matrix of macromolecules. U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,684 describes the production of a pharmaceutical composition in which the drug substance is pulverized to nanoparticles (average particle size of 400 nm) in the presence of a surface modifier and then dispersed in a liquid medium to give a pharmaceutical composition that exhibits remarkably high bioavailability.

Compositions suitable for parenteral injection may comprise physiologically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions, and sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (propyleneglycol, polyethyleneglycol, glycerol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive oil) and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions and by the use of surfactants.

One specific route of administration is oral, using a convenient daily dosage regimen that can be adjusted according to the degree of severity of the disease-state to be treated.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is admixed with at least one inert customary excipient (or carrier) such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate or (a) fillers or extenders, as for example, starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, (b) binders, as for example, cellulose derivatives, starch, alignates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose, and gum acacia, (c) humectants, as for example, glycerol, (d) disintegrating agents, as for example, agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, croscarmellose sodium, complex silicates, and sodium carbonate, (e) solution retarders, as for example paraffin, (f) absorption accelerators, as for example, quaternary ammonium compounds, (g) wetting agents, as for example, cetyl alcohol, and glycerol monostearate, magnesium stearate and the like (h) adsorbents, as for example, kaolin and bentonite, and (i) lubricants, as for example, talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, or mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents.

Solid dosage forms as described above can be prepared with coatings and shells, such as enteric coatings and others well known in the art. They may contain pacifying agents, and can also be of such composition that they release the active compound or compounds in a certain part of the intestinal tract in a delayed manner. Examples of embedded compositions that can be used are polymeric substances and waxes. The active compounds can also be in microencapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of the above-mentioned excipients.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs. Such dosage forms are prepared, for example, by dissolving, dispersing, etc., the compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and optional pharmaceutical adjuvants in a carrier, such as, for example, water, saline, aqueous dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like; solubilizing agents and emulsifiers, as for example, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propyleneglycol, 1,3-butyleneglycol, dimethylformamide; oils, in particular, cottonseed oil, groundnut oil, corn germ oil, olive oil, castor oil and sesame oil, glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethyleneglycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan; or mixtures of these substances, and the like, to thereby form a solution or suspension.

Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, may contain suspending agents, as for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar and tragacanth, or mixtures of these substances, and the like.

Compositions for rectal administration are, for example, suppositories that can be prepared by mixing the compound of Formula I with, for example, suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethyleneglycol or a suppository wax, which are solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at body temperature and therefore, melt while in a suitable body cavity and release the active component therein.

Dosage forms for topical administration of the compound of Formula I include ointments, powders, sprays, and inhalants. The active component is admixed under sterile conditions with a physiologically acceptable carrier and any preservatives, buffers, or propellants as may be required. Ophthalmic compositions, eye ointments, powders, and solutions are also contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure.

Compressed gases may be used to disperse the compound of Formula I in aerosol form. Inert gases suitable for this purpose are nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.

Generally, depending on the intended mode of administration, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions will contain about 1% to about 99% by weight of a compound(s) of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and 99% to 1% by weight of a suitable pharmaceutical excipient. In one example, the composition will be between about 5% and about 75% by weight of a compound(s) of Formula I, Formula Ia, or Compound 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with the rest being suitable pharmaceutical excipients.

Actual methods of preparing such dosage forms are known or will be apparent to those skilled in this art; for example, see Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed., (Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1990). The composition to be administered will, in any event, contain a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for treatment of a disease-state in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

The compounds of this disclosure, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates, are administered in a therapeutically effective amount which will vary depending upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of the compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular disease-states, and the host undergoing therapy. The compound of Formula I, Formula Ia, or Compound 1, can be administered to a patient at dosage levels in the range of about 0.1 to about 1,000 mg per day. For a normal human adult having a body weight of about 70 kilograms, a dosage in the range of about 0.01 to about 100 mg per kilogram of body weight per day is an example. The specific dosage used, however, can vary. For example, the dosage can depend on a number of factors including the requirements of the patient, the severity of the condition being treated, and the pharmacological activity of the compound being used. The determination of optimum dosages for a particular patient is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In other embodiments, the compound of Formula I, Formula Ia, or Compound 1, can be administered to the patient concurrently with other cancer treatments. Such treatments include other cancer chemotherapeutics, hormone replacement therapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, among others. The choice of other therapy will depend on a number of factors including the metabolic stability and length of action of the compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular disease-states, and the host undergoing therapy.

Preparation of Compound 1

Preparation of N-(4-{[6,7-bis(methyloxy)quinolin-4-yl]oxy}phenyl)-N′-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide and the (L)-malate salt thereof.

The synthetic route used for the preparation of N-(4-{[6,7-bis(methyloxy)quinolin-4-yl]oxy}phenyl)-M-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide and the (L)-malate salt thereof is depicted in Scheme 1.

Preparation of 4-Chloro-6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline

A reactor was charged sequentially with 6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-ol (10.0 kg) and acetonitrile (64.0 L). The resulting mixture was heated to approximately 65° C. and phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃, 50.0 kg) was added. After the addition of POCl₃, the temperature of the reaction mixture was raised to approximately 80° C. The reaction was deemed complete (approximately 9.0 hours) when less than 2 percent of the starting material remained (in process high-performance liquid chromotography [HPLC] analysis). The reaction mixture was cooled to approximately 10° C. and then quenched into a chilled solution of dichloromethane (DCM, 238.0 kg), 30 percent NH₄OH (135.0 kg), and ice (440.0 kg). The resulting mixture was warmed to approximately 14° C., and phases were separated. The organic phase was washed with water (40.0 kg) and concentrated by vacuum distillation with the removal of solvent (approximately 190.0 kg). Methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE, 50.0 kg) was added to the batch, and the mixture was cooled to approximately 10° C., during which time the product crystallized out. The solids were recovered by centrifugation, washed with n heptane (20.0 kg), and dried at approximately 40° C. to afford the title compound (8.0 kg).

Preparation of 6,7-Dimethyl-4-(4-Nitro-Phenoxy)-Quinoline

A reactor was sequentially charged with 4-chloro-6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline (8.0 kg), 4 nitrophenol (7.0 kg), 4 dimethylaminopyridine (0.9 kg), and 2,6-lutidine (40.0 kg). The reactor contents were heated to approximately 147° C. When the reaction was complete (less than 5% starting material remaining as determined by in process HPLC analysis, approximately 20 hours), the reactor contents were allowed to cool to approximately 25° C. Methanol (26.0 kg) was added, followed by potassium carbonate (3.0 kg) dissolved in water (50.0 kg). The reactor contents were stirred for approximately 2 hours. The resulting solid precipitate was filtered, washed with water (67.0 kg), and dried at 25° C. for approximately 12 hours to afford the title compound (4.0 kg).

Preparation of 4-(6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline-4-Yloxy)-Phenylamine

A solution containing potassium formate (5.0 kg), formic acid (3.0 kg), and water (16.0 kg) was added to a mixture of 6,7-dimethoxy-4-(4-nitro-phenoxy)-quinoline (4.0 kg), 10% palladium on carbon (50 percent water wet, 0.4 kg) in tetrahydrofuran (40.0 kg) that had been heated to approximately 60° C. The addition was carried out such that the temperature of the reaction mixture remained approximately 60° C. When the reaction was deemed complete as determined using in-process HPLC analysis (less than 2 percent starting material remaining, typically 1.5-15 hours), the reactor contents were filtered. The filtrate was concentrated by vacuum distillation at approximately 35° C. to half of its original volume, which resulted in the precipitation of the product. The product was recovered by filtration, washed with water (12.0 kg), and dried under vacuum at approximately 50° C. to afford the title compound (3.0 kg; 97 percent AUC).

Preparation of 1-(4-Fluoro-Phenylcarbamoyl)-Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid

Triethylamine (8.0 kg) was added to a cooled (approximately 4° C.) solution of commercially available cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid (10.0 kg) in THF (63.0 kg) at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 10° C. The solution was stirred for approximately 30 minutes, and then thionyl chloride (9.0 kg) was added, keeping the batch temperature below 10° C. When the addition was complete, a solution of 4-fluoroaniline (9.0 kg) in THF (25.0 kg) was added at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 10° C. The mixture was stirred for approximately 4 hours and then diluted with isopropyl acetate (87.0 kg). This solution was washed sequentially with aqueous sodium hydroxide (2.0 kg dissolved in 50.0 L of water), water (40.0 L), and aqueous sodium chloride (10.0 kg dissolved in 40.0 L of water). The organic solution was concentrated by vacuum distillation followed by the addition of heptane, which resulted in the precipitation of solid. The solid was recovered by centrifugation and then dried at approximately 35° C. under vacuum to afford the title compound (10.0 kg).

Preparation of 1-(4-Fluoro-Phenylcarbamoyl)-Cyclopropanecarbonyl Chloride

Oxalyl chloride (1.0 kg) was added to a solution of 1-(4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (2.0 kg) in a mixture of THF (11 kg) and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF; 0.02 kg) at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 30° C. This solution was used in the next step without further processing.

Preparation of N-(4-{[6,7-Bis(Methyloxy)Quinolin-4-Yl]Oxy}Phenyl)-N′-(4-Fluorophenyl)Cyclopropane-1,1-Dicarboxamide

The solution from the previous step containing 1-(4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride was added to a mixture of 4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenylamine ( 3.0 kg), and potassium carbonate (4.0 kg) in THF (27.0 kg), and water (13.0 kg) at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 30° C. When the reaction was complete (approximately 10 minutes), water (74.0 kg) was added. The mixture was stirred at 15 to 30° C. for approximately 10 hours, which resulted in the precipitation of the product. The product was recovered by filtration, washed with a pre made solution of THF (11.0 kg) and water (24.0 kg), and dried at approximately 65° C. under vacuum for approximately 12 hours to afford the title compound (free base, 5.0 kg). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 10.2 (s, 1 H), 10.05 (s, 1 H), 8.4 (s, 1 H), 7.8 (m, 2 H), 7.65 (m, 2 H), 7.5 (s, 1 H), 7.35 (s, 1 H), 7.25 (m, 2 H), 7.15 (m, 2 H), 6.4 (s, 1 H), 4.0 (d, 6 H), 1.5 (s, 4 H). LC/MS: M+H=502.

Preparation of N-(4-{[6,7-Bis(Methyloxy)Quinolin-4-Yl]Oxy}Phenyl)-N′-(4-Fluorophenyl)Cyclopropane-1,1-Dicarboxamide, (L) Malate Salt

A solution of L-malic acid (2.0 kg) in water (2.0 kg) was added to a solution of Cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid [4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-amide (4-fluoro-phenyl)-amide free base (1 5, 5.0 kg) in ethanol, maintaining a batch temperature of approximately 25° C. Carbon (0.5 kg) and thiol silica (0.1 kg) were then added, and the resulting mixture was heated to approximately 78° C., at which point water (6.0 kg) was added. The reaction mixture was then filtered, followed by the addition of isopropanol (38.0 kg). The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to approximately 25° C. The product was recovered by filtration and washed with isopropanol (20.0 kg) and dried at approximately 65 ° C. to afford the title compound (5.0 kg).

An alternative route that for the preparation of Compound 1 is depicted in Scheme 2.

Preparation of 4-Chloro-6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline

A reactor was charged sequentially with 6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-ol (47.0 kg) and acetonitrile (318.8 kg). The resulting mixture was heated to approximately 60° C. and phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃, 130.6 kg) was added. After the addition of POCl₃, the temperature of the reaction mixture was raised to approximately 77° C. The reaction was deemed complete (approximately 13 hours) when less than 3 percent of the starting material remained (in-process high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] analysis). The reaction mixture was cooled to approximately 2 to 7° C. and then quenched into a chilled solution of dichloromethane (DCM, 482.8 kg), 26 percent NH₄OH (251.3 kg), and water (900 L). The resulting mixture was warmed to approximately 20 to 25° C., and phases were separated. The organic phase was filtered through a bed of AW hyflo super-cel NF (Celite; 5.4 kg), and the filter bed was washed with DCM (118.9 kg). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (282.9 kg) and mixed with water (120 L). The phases were separated and the organic phase was concentrated by vacuum distillation with the removal of solvent (approximately 95 L residual volume). DCM (686.5 kg) was charged to the reactor containing organic phase and concentrated by vacuum distillation with the removal of solvent (approximately 90 L residual volume). Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE, 226.0 kg) was then charged and the temperature of the mixture was adjusted to −20 to 25° C. and held for 2.5 hours. This resulted in solid precipitate, which was then filtered, washed with n-heptane (92.0 kg), and dried on a filter at approximately 25° C. under nitrogen to afford the title compound. (35.6 kg).

Preparation of 4-(6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline-4-Yloxy)-Phenylamine

4-Aminophenol (24.4 kg) dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA, 184.3 kg) was charged to a reactor containing 4-chloro-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline (35.3 kg), sodium t-butoxide, (21.4 kg) and DMA (167.2 kg) at 20 to 25° C. This mixture was then heated to 100 to 105° C. for approximately 13 hours. After the reaction was deemed complete as determined using in-process HPLC analysis (less than 2 percent starting material remaining), the reactor contents were cooled at 15 to 20° C. and water (pre-cooled, 2 to 7° C., 587 L) charged at a rate to maintain 15 to 30° C. temperature. The resulting solid precipitate was filtered, washed with a mixture of water (47 L) and DMA (89.1 kg) and finally with water (214 L). The filter cake was then dried at approximately 25° C. on filter to yield crude 4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenylamine (59.4 kg wet, 41.6 kg dry calculated based on LOD). Crude 4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenylamine was refluxed (approximately 75° C.) in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF, 211.4 kg) and DMA (108.8 kg) for approximately 1 hour and then cooled to 0 to 5° C. and aged for approximately 1 hour after which time the solid was filtered, washed with THF (147.6 kg), and dried on a filter under vacuum at approximately 25° C. to yield 4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenylamine (34.0 kg).

Alternative Preparation of 4-(6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline-4-Yloxy)-Phenylamine

4-chloro-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline (34.8 kg) and 4-Aminophenol (30.8 kg) and sodium tert pentoxide (1.8 equivalents) 88.7 kg, 35 wt percent in THF) were charged to a reactor, followed by N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA, 293.3 kg). This mixture was then heated to 105 to 115° C. for approximately 9 hours. After the reaction was deemed complete as determined using in-process HPLC analysis (less than 2 percent starting material remaining), the reactor contents were cooled at 15 to 25° C., and water (315 kg) was added over a two hour period while maintaining the temperature between 20 and 30° C. The reaction mixture was then agitated for an additional hour at 20 to 25° C. The crude product was collected by filtration and washed with a mixture of water (88 kg) and DMA (82.1 kg), followed by water (175 kg). The product was dried on a filter drier for 53 hours. The LOD showed less than 1 percent weight/weight (w/w).

In an alternative procedure, 1.6 equivalents of sodium tert-pentoxide were used, and the reaction temperature was increased from 110 to 120° C. In addition , the cool down temperature was increased to 35 to 40° C., and the starting temperature of the water addition was adjusted to 35 to 40° C., with an allowed exotherm to 45° C.

Preparation of 1-(4-Fluoro-Phenylcarbamoyl)-Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid

Triethylamine (19.5 kg) was added to a cooled (approximately 5° C.) solution of cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid (24.7 kg) in THF (89.6 kg) at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 5° C. The solution was stirred for approximately 1.3 hours, and then thionyl chloride (23.1 kg) was added, keeping the batch temperature below 10° C. When the addition was complete, the solution was stirred for approximately 4 hours keeping the temperature below 10° C. A solution of 4-fluoroaniline (18.0 kg) in THF (33.1 kg) was then added at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 10° C. The mixture was stirred for approximately 10 hours, after which the reaction was deemed complete. The reaction mixture was then diluted with isopropyl acetate (218.1 kg). This solution was washed sequentially with aqueous sodium hydroxide (10.4 kg, 50% dissolved in 119 L of water), further diluted with water (415 L), then with water (100 L), and finally with aqueous sodium chloride (20.0 kg dissolved in 100 L of water). The organic solution was concentrated by vacuum distillation (100 L residual volume) below 40° C., followed by the addition of n-heptane (171.4 kg), which resulted in the precipitation of solid. The solid was recovered by filtration and washed with n-Heptane (102.4 kg), resulting in wet crude, 1-(4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (29.0 kg). The crude, 1-(4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid was dissolved in methanol (139.7 kg) at approximately 25° C., followed by the addition of water (320 L), resulting in slurry which was recovered by filtration, washed sequentially with water (20 L) and n-heptane (103.1 kg), and then dried on the filter at approximately 25° C. under nitrogen to afford the title compound (25.4 kg).

Preparation of 1-(4-Fluoro-Phenylcarbamoyl)-Cyclopropanecarbonyl Chloride

Oxalyl chloride (12.6 kg) was added to a solution of 1-(4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (22.8 kg) in a mixture of THF (96.1 kg) and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF; 0.23 kg) at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 25° C. This solution was used in the next step without further processing.

Alternative Preparation of 1-(4-Fluoro-Phenylcarbamoyl)-Cyclopronanecarbonyl Chloride

A reactor was charged with 1-(4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (35 kg), DMF (344 g), and THF (175 kg). The reaction mixture was adjusted to 12 to 17° C., and then to the reaction mixture was charged 19.9 kg of oxalyl chloride over a period of 1 hour. The reaction mixture was left stirring at 12 to 17° C. for 3 to 8 hours. This solution was used in the next step without further processing.

Preparation of Cyclopropane-1,1-Dicarboxylic Acid [4-(6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline-4-Yloxy)-Phenyl]-Amide (4-Fluoro-Phenyl)-Amide

The solution from the previous step containing 1-(4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride was added to a mixture of compound 4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenylamine (23.5 kg) and potassium carbonate (31.9 kg) in THF (245.7 kg) and water (116 L) at a rate such that the batch temperature did not exceed 30° C. When the reaction was complete (in approximately 20 minutes), water (653 L) was added. The mixture was stirred at 20 to 25° C. for approximately 10 hours, which resulted in the precipitation of the product. The product was recovered by filtration, washed with a pre-made solution of THF (68.6 kg) and water (256 L), and dried first on a filter under nitrogen at approximately 25° C. and then dried at approximately 45° C. under vacuum to afford the title compound (41.0 kg, 38.1 kg, calculated based on LOD).

Alternative Preparation of Cyclopronane-1,1-Dicarboxylic Acid [4-(6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinolone-4-Yloxy)-Phenyl]-Amide (4-Fluoro-Phenyl)-Amide

A reactor was charged with 4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenylamine (35.7 kg, 1 equivalent), followed by THF (412.9 kg). To the reaction mixture was charged a solution of K₂CO₃ (48.3 g) in water (169 kg). The acid chloride solution described in the Alternative Preparation of 1-(4-Fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-CycloPropanecarbonyl chloride above was transferred to the reactor containing 4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenylamine while maintaining the temperature between 20 to 30° C. over a minimum of two hours. The reaction mixture was stirred at 20 to 25° C. for a minimum of three hours. The reaction temperature was then adjusted to 30 to 25° C., and the mixture was agitated. The agitation was stopped and the phases of the mixture were allowed to separate. The lower aqueous phase was removed and discarded. Water (804 kg) was added to the remaining upper organic phase. The reaction was left stirring at 15 to 25° C. for a minimum of 16 hours.

The product precipitated. The product was filtered and washed with a mixture of water (179 kg) and THF (157.9 kg) in two portions. The crude product was dried under a vacuum for at least two hours. The dried product was then taken up in THF (285.1 kg). The resulting suspension was transferred to reaction vessel and agitated until the suspension became a clear (dissolved) solution, which required heating to 30 to 35° C. for approximately 30 minutes. Water (456 kg) was then added to the solution, as well as SDAG-1 (20 kg) ethanol (ethanol denatured with methanol over two hours). The mixture was agitated at 15-25° C. for at least 16 hours. The product was filtered and washed with a mixture of water (143 kg) and THF (126.7 kg) in two portions. The product was dried at a maximum temperature set point of 40° C.

In an alternative procedure, the reaction temperature during acid chloride formation was adjusted to 10 to 15° C. The recrystallization temperature was changed from 15 to 25° C. to 45 to 50° C. for 1 hour and then cooled to 15 to 25° C. over 2 hours.

Preparation of Cyclopropane-1,1-Dicarboxylic Acid [4-(6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline-4-Yloxy)-Phenyl]-Amide (4-Fluoro-Phenyl)-Amide, (L) Malate Salt

Cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid [4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-amide (4-fluoro-phenyl)-amide (13.3 kg), L-malic acid (4.96 kg), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK; 188.6 kg), and water (37.3 kg) were charged to a reactor, and the mixture was heated to reflux (approximately 74° C.) for approximately 2 hours. The reactor temperature was reduced to 50 to 55° C., and the reactor contents were filtered. These sequential steps described above were repeated two more times starting with similar amounts of cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid [4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-amide (4-fluoro-phenyl)-amide (13.3 kg), L-Malic acid (4.96 kg), MEK (198.6 kg), and water (37.2 kg). The combined filtrate was azeotropically dried at atmospheric pressure using MEK (1133.2 kg) (approximate residual volume 711 L; KF≤0.5% w/w) at approximately 74° C. The temperature of the reactor contents was reduced to 20 to 25° C. and held for approximately 4 hours, resulting in solid precipitate which was filtered, washed with MEK (448 kg), and dried under vacuum at 50° C. to afford the title compound (45.5 kg).

Alternative Preparation of Cyclopropane-1,1-Dicarboxylic Acid [4-(6,7-Dimethoxy-Quinoline-4-Yloxy)-Phenyl]Amide (4-Fluoro-Phenyl)-Amide, (L) Malate Salt

Cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid [4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-amide (4-fluoro-phenyl)-amide (47.9 kg), L-malic acid (17.2), 658.2 kg methyl ethyl ketone, and 129.1 kg water (37.3 kg) were charged to a reactor, and the mixture was heated 50 to 55° C. for approximately 1 to 3 hours, and then at 55 to 60° C. for an additional 4 to 5 hours. The mixture was clarified by filtration through a 1 μm cartridge. The reactor temperature was adjusted to 20 to 25° C. and vacuum distilled with a vacuum at 150-200 mm Hg with a maximum jacket temperature of 55° C. to the volume range of 558-731 L.

The vacuum distillation was performed two more times with the charge of 380 kg and 380.2 kg methyl ethyl ketone, respectively. After the third distillation, the volume of the batch was adjusted to 18 volume/weight (v/w) of cyclopropane-, 1-dicarboxylic acid [4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-amide (4-fluoro-phenyl)-amide by charging methyl ethyl ketone (159.9 kg) to give a total volume of 880 L. An addition al vacuum distillation was carried out by adjusting methyl ethyl ketone (245.7 kg). The reaction mixture was left with moderate agitation at 20 to 25° C. for at least 24 hours. The product was filtered and washed with methyl ethyl ketone (415.1 kg) in three portions. The product was dried under a vacuum with the jacket temperature set point at 45° C.

In an alternative procedure, the order of addition was changes so that a solution of L-malic acid (17.7 kg) dissolved in water (129.9 kg) was added to cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid [4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-amide (4-fluoro-phenyl)-amide (48.7 kg) in methyl ethyl ketone (673.3 kg).

Use of a Compound of Formula I to Treat Cancer

The MET and VEGF signaling pathways appear to play important roles in osteoblast and osteoclast function. Strong immunohistochemical staining of MET has been observed in both cell types in developing bone. HGF and MET are expressed by osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro and mediate cellular responses such as proliferation, migration, and expression of ALP. Secretion of HGF by osteoblasts has been proposed as a key factor in osteoblast/osteoclast coupling, and in the development of bone metastases by tumor cells that express MET. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts also express VEGF and its receptors, and VEGF signaling in these cells is involved in potential autocrine and/or paracrine feedback mechanisms regulating cell migration, differentiation, and survival.

Compound 1 is an orally bioavailable multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with potent activity against MET and VEGFR2. Compound 1 suppresses MET and VEGFR2 signaling, rapidly induces apoptosis of endothelial cells and tumor cells, and causes tumor regression in xenograft tumor models. Compound 1 also significantly reduces tumor invasiveness and metastasis and substantially improves overall survival in a murine pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor model. In a phase 1 clinical study, Compound 1 was generally well-tolerated, with fatigue, diarrhea, anorexia, rash, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia being the most commonly observed adverse events.

Case Study 1

Compound 1 is an orally bioavailable multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with potent activity against MET and VEGFR2. Compound 1 suppresses MET and VEGFR2 signaling, rapidly induces apoptosis of endothelial cells and tumor cells, and causes tumor regression in xenograft tumor models. Compound 1 also significantly reduces tumor invasiveness and metastasis and substantially improves overall survival in a murine pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor model. In a phase 1 clinical study, Compound 1 was generally well-tolerated, with fatigue, diarrhea, anorexia, rash, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia being the most commonly observed adverse events.

Based on target rationale and observed antitumor activity in clinical studies, an adaptive phase 2 trial was undertaken in multiple indications including CRPC (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT00940225 for Study NCT00940225 last visited Sep. 20, 2011)), in which Compound 1 was administered as a 100 mg dose to patients. The findings in the first three CRPC patients with evidence of bone metastases on bone scan enrolled to this study are described in the following Case Studies.

Baseline characteristics for patients 1-3 are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Summary of Baseline Characteristics and Preliminary Best Responses for CRPC Patients Treated with Compound 1. Patient 1 Patient 2 Patient 3 Baseline Characteristics Age (years) 77 73 66 Diagnosis 1993 2009 2009 ECOG performance status 1 0 1 Disease location(s) Lung, LN, bone Liver, LN, bone LN, bone Prior cancer therapies Radical prostatectomy, Radiation to pubic CAB, docetaxel radiation to prostate bed, ramus and acetabulum, CAB, DES, docetaxel CAB Bisphophonates No No Yes Narcotics Yes No No Pain Yes Yes Yes PSA (ng/mL) 430.4 14.7 2.8 tALP (U/L) 689 108 869 Hemoglobin (g/dL) 13.5 13.3 10.2 Summary of Best Responses Tumor response −41% −20% −51% Bone scan Complete resolution Improvement Near resolution Pain Improvement Pain-free Pain-free PSA −78% +61% −57% tALP −77%  −6% −77% Hemoglobin (g/dL) +1.4 +1.8 +2.2 ADT, androgen-deprivation therapy; CAB, combined androgen blockade (leuprolide + bicalutamide); DES, diethylstilbestrol; LN, lymph node; PSA, prostate-specific antigen; tALP, total alkaline phosphatase.

Patient 1 was diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in 1993 and treated with radical prostatectomy (Gleason score unavailable; PSA, 0.99 ng/mL). In 2000, local disease recurrence was treated with radiation therapy. In 2001, combined androgen blockade (CAB) with leuprolide and bicalutamide was initiated for rising PSA (3.5 ng/mL). In 2006, diethystillbestrol (DES) was administered briefly. In 2007, 6 cycles of docetaxel were given for new lung metastases. Rising PSA was unresponsive to antiandrogen withdrawal. Androgen ablation therapy was continued until clinical progression. In October 2009, bone metastasis to the spine associated with impingement on the spinal cord and back pain, was treated with radiation therapy (37.5 Gy). In February 2010, a bone scan was performed due to increasing bone pain and showed diffuse uptake of radiotracer in the axial and appendicular skeleton. A CT scan revealed new pulmonary and mediastinal lymph node metastases. PSA was 430.4 ng/mL.

Patient 2 was diagnosed in April of 2009 after presenting with a pathologic fracture (Gleason score, 4+5=9; PSA, 45.34 ng/mL). Bone scan showed uptake of radiotracer in the left iliac wing, left sacroiliac joint, femoral head, and the pubic symphysis. Biopsy of the left pubic ramus confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma with mixed lytic and blastic lesions. CAB with leuprolide and bicalutamide and radiation therapy (8 Gy) to the left pubic ramus and acetabulum resulted in bone pain relief and PSA normalization. Rising PSA in November 2009 (16 ng/mL) was unresponsive to antiandrogen withdrawal. In February 2010, bone scan showed multiple foci throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton. A CT scan revealed retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement and liver metastases (PSA, 28.1 ng/mL). Further progression of disease was marked by recurrent bone pain, new lung and hepatic metastases.

Patient 3 was diagnosed in April 2009 after presenting with right hip pain (Gleason score, 4+5=9; PSA, 2.6 ng/mL). Bone scan showed uptake of radiotracer at multiple sites throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton. A CT scan revealed retroperitoneal, common iliac, and supraclavicular adenopathy. CAB with leuprolide and bicalutamide was initiated. The patient received 6 cycles of docetaxel through December 2009. Following treatment, a bone scan showed no changes. A CT scan revealed near resolution of the retroperitoneal and common iliac adenopathy. In March 2010, PSA began to rise, and bone pain worsened. A repeat bone scan showed new foci, and a CT scan showed an increase in the retroperitoneal, para-aortic, and bilateral common iliac adenopathy. Rising PSA in April 2010 (2.8 ng/mL) and increasing bone pain were unresponsive to antiandrogen withdrawal.

Results

All patients provided informed consent before study screening.

Patient 1 started Compound 1 on Feb. 12, 2010. Four weeks later, significant reduction in bone pain was reported. At Week 6, bone scan showed a dramatic decrease in radiotracer uptake by bone metastases (FIG. 1A). A CT scan showed a partial response (PR) with a 33% decrease in measurable target lesions (FIG. 1C). At Week 12, near complete resolution of bone lesions and a 44% decrease in target lesions was observed and was stable through Week 18. Corresponding with the bone scan response, after an initial rise, serum tALP levels decreased from 689 U/L at baseline to 159 U/L at Week 18 (FIG. 1B and Table 1). In addition, there was an increase in hemoglobin of 1.4 g/dL at Week 2 compared with baseline (Table 1). PSA decreased from 430 ng/mL at baseline to 93.5 ng/mL at Week 18 (FIG. 1B and Table 1). The patient was on open-label treatment through Week 18 when he withdrew after developing Grade 3 diarrhea.

Patient 2 started Compound 1 on Mar. 31, 2010. At Week 4, reduction in bone pain was reported. At Week 6, bone scan showed a slight flair in radiotracer uptake by bone lesions (FIG. 2A), and a CT scan showed a 13% decrease in target lesions (FIG. 2C). At Week 12, a substantial reduction of radiotracer uptake (FIG. 2A) and a 20% decrease in measurable disease were observed (Table 1). After randomization to placebo at Week 12 the patient developed severe bone pain and sacral nerve root impingement. Radiation to the spine was administered, and the patient crossed over to open-label Compound 1 treatment at Week 15. Serum tALP levels were within the normal range (101-144 U/L) (FIG. 2B). Hemoglobin increased by 1.8 g/dL at Week 12 compared with baseline (Table 1). PSA peaked at close to 6-fold of baseline by Week 16, but then decreased to 2-fold of baseline by Week 18 subsequent to crossing over to Compound 1 from placebo (FIG. 2B and Table 1). The patient continues on Compound 1 treatment as of September 2010.

Patient 3 started Compound 1 on Apr. 26, 2010. After three weeks a complete resolution of pain was reported. At Week 6, bone scan showed a dramatic reduction in radiotracer uptake (FIG. 3A), and a CT scan showed a PR with a 43% decrease in measurable target lesions. At Week 12 a complete resolution of bone lesions on bone scan (FIG. 3A) and a 51% decrease in measurable disease were observed (Table 1 and FIG. 3B)). After an initial rise, serum tALP levels steadily decreased, with tALP at 869 U/L at baseline and 197 U/L at Week 18 (FIG. 3B and Table 1). Hemoglobin increased 2.2 g/dL at Week 2 compared with baseline (Table 1). PSA decreased from 2.4 ng/mL at screening to 1.2 ng/mL at Week 18 (FIG. 3B and Table 1). The patient continues on Compound 1 treatment as of September 2010.

Discussion

All three patients experienced a striking decrease in uptake of radiotracer on bone scan upon treatment with Compound 1. These findings were accompanied by substantial reductions in bone pain and evidence of response or stabilization in soft tissue lesions during therapy with Compound 1. The onset of the effect was very rapid in two of the patients, with substantial improvement or near resolution of bone scan and improvement in pain occurring in the first 6 weeks. In the third patient, an apparent flare in the bone scan was observed at 6 weeks, followed by improvement by 12 weeks. To our knowledge, such a comprehensive and rapid impact on both osseous and soft tissue disease has not been observed in this patient population.

Uptake of radiotracer in bone depends on both local blood flow and osteoblastic activity, both of which may be pathologically modulated by the tumor cells associated with the bone lesion. Resolving uptake may therefore be attributable to either interruption of local blood flow, direct modulation of osteoblastic activity, a direct effect on the tumor cells in bone, or a combination of these processes. However, decreased uptake on bone scan in men with CRPC has only been rarely noted with VEGF/VEGFR targeted therapy, despite numerous trials with such agents. Similarly, observations of decreased uptake on bone scan in CRPC patients have only been reported rarely for abiraterone, which targets the cancer cells directly, and for dasatinib, which targets both cancer cells and osteoclasts. Thus, targeting angiogenesis alone, or selectively targeting the tumor cells and/or osteoclasts, has not resulted in effects similar to those observed in the patients treated with Compound 1.

These results indicate a potential critical role for the MET and VEGF signaling pathways in the progression of CRPC and point to the promise that simultaneously targeting these pathways may hold in reducing morbidity and mortality in this patient population.

Case Study 2

In a phase 2 adaptive randomized discontinuation trial (RDT), Compound 1 resulted in resolution or stabilization of metastatic bone lesions on bone scan in 82 of 108 (76 percent) patients evaluable by this method. The majority of patients treated with Compound 1 reported reduced bone pain and reduced reliance upon narcotic pain medication. A total of 83 patients had bone metastases and bone pain reported at baseline, and at least one post-baseline assessment of pain status. Of these patients, 56 (68%) had pain improvement at either Week 6 or 12. Narcotic analgesic medication was required at baseline for control of bone pain in 67 patients assessable for post-baseline review of narcotic consumption. Of these 67 patients, 47 (70%) were able to decrease or discontinue narcotic medication for bone pain. Data on bone pain and narcotic use, as assessed by the investigator, were collected retrospectively. These results suggest that Compound 1 can be used to treat and ameliorate bone and/or ameliorate bone metastases and pain due to other forms of cancer.

Patients with partial or complete resolution of metastatic bone lesions by bone scan were more likely to remain free of disease progression at month 6, experience pain relief, reduce or eliminate their use of narcotic analgesics, achieve tumor regression, and experience marked declines in markers of bone turnover when compared to those who did not achieve bone scan resolution.

Updated progression-free survival (PFS) data show that Compound 1 results in median PFS that appear to be similar in docetaxel-naïve and pretreated patients, and compare favorably to population matched historical controls. In the randomized discontinuation phase of this study, significant improvement in median PFS was observed in patients randomized to Compound 1. Despite only 31 patients randomized at week 12, the results were highly statistically significant, suggestive of a sizable treatment effect over placebo. Durable increases in hemoglobin levels in anemic patients were also observed.

In the randomized discontinuation phase, a total of 31 patients with SD at week 12 were randomized to either placebo or Compound 1. From week 12 onward, the investigator-assessed median PFS is 6 weeks (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 5, 12 weeks) for the placebo group (n=17), and 21 weeks (95% CI: 11 weeks, upper limit not yet reached) for the Compound 1 group (n=14). The hazard ratio (HR) of 0.13 (95% CI 0.03, 0.50) strongly favored the Compound 1 arm and corresponded to an 87% reduction in the risk of progression for patients treated with Compound 1 compared with placebo. These results were statistically significant (p=0.0007).

Excluding those randomized to placebo, the median PFS was 29 weeks for the overall population (n=154). Median PFS in the subsets of docetaxel-naive and -pretreated patients were 24 weeks (95% CI 24, upper limit not yet reached) and 29 weeks (95% CI 18, 33), respectively. These data indicate that Compound 1 treatment results in durable disease control in both docetaxel-naive and pretreated populations.

Effects on bone scan were further assessed by an independent reviewer in a larger subset (n=108) of patients with bone metastases. Partial or complete resolution of bone scan was observed in 82 (76%) subjects. Twenty-three patients (21%) had stable disease (SD) on bone scan, and only three patients (3%) had progressive disease in bone as their best assessment.

Based on a post hoc analysis, patients with bone scan resolution (either complete or partial) were more likely to be free of disease progression at month 6 (61% vs. 35%), experience pain relief (83% vs. 43%), reduce or eliminate their need for narcotic analgesics (68% vs. 33%), achieve tumor regression (78% vs. 58%), and experience marked declines in markers of bone turnover (60% vs. 43%), as compared to those who did not achieve bone scan resolution (stable or progressing bone scan).

Of 55 patients who had baseline bone pain, 42 had complete (n=10) or partial (n=32) resolution and 13 had stabilization of disease by bone scan evaluation. Of these patients, 80%, 84%, and 38%, respectively, reported improvements in bone pain. These findings are the first to show an association between changes in bone scan imaging and improvement in clinical symptoms of disease.

Compound 1, an inhibitor of tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis, simultaneously targets MET and VEGFR2, key kinases involved in the development and progression of many cancers. Prominent expression of MET has been observed in primary and metastatic prostate carcinomas, with evidence for higher levels of expression in bone metastases. Overexpression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the ligand for MET, has also been observed in prostate carcinoma, and increased plasma levels of HGF are associated with decreased overall survival in CRPC. Data from preclinical studies also suggest that both HGF and MET are regulated by the androgen signaling pathway in prostate cancer, where upregulation of MET signaling is associated with the transition to androgen-independent tumor growth. Additionally, both the MET and VEGFR signaling pathways also appear to play important roles in the function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts—cells in the bone microenvironment that are often dysregulated during the establishment and progression of bone metastases.

The primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CRPC is metastasis to the bone, which occurs in about 90% of cases. Bone metastases cause local disruption of normal bone remodeling, with lesions generally showing a propensity for an osteoblastic (bone-forming) phenotype on imaging. These lesions often lead to increased skeletal fractures, spinal cord compression, and severe bone pain. Osteoblastic lesions are typically visualized in CRPC patients by bone scan, which detects rapid incorporation of 99mTc-labeled methylene-diphosphonate radiotracer into newly forming bone. In addition, increased blood levels of ALP and CTx, markers for osteoblast and osteoclast activity, respectively, are often observed in CRPC patients with bone metastases, and are associated with shorter overall survival.

Case Study 4: Renal Cell Carcinoma with Bone Metastases

In a Phase I trial of patients with renal cell carcinoma with bone metastases, tumor shrinkage was observed in a patient based bone scan analysis (FIG. 4). This patient showing resolution of bone lesions on bone scan also substantially reduced narcotic use by seven weeks to control pain and continued on reduced narcotic use until week 25. A second patient with renal cell carcinoma with bone metastases and pain at baseline (pain score 5 on a scale of 10) reported complete resolution of pain by four weeks and remained pain-free as of week 73 of the study.

Case Study 5: Melanoma with Bone Metastases

In a randomized discontinuation study of 65 patients with melanoma with bone metastases, tumor shrinkage was observed in 39 of 65 patients (60 percent) based bone scan analysis (FIG. 5).

Case Study 6: Breast Cancer with Bone Metastases

In a randomized discontinuation study of 44 patients with breast cancer, 10 were found to be evaluable for bone scan resolution. Tumor shrinkage was observed in 4 (forty percent) patients based bone scan analysis.

Case Study 7: Differentiated Thyroid Cancer with Bone Metastasis.

In a Phase 1 drug-drug trial, 15 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer were enrolled, one of whom had a bone metastasis to the skull. This lesion showed a dramatic response after 9 weeks of cabozantinib treatment as judged by MRI (FIG. 6).

Study 8: Effect of Compound 1 Administration on CT^(x) Plasma Concentration

The effects of Compound 1 treatment on osteoclast activity was also investigated based on the measurement of changes in plasma concentration of Cross-linked C-terminal telopeptides of type-1 collagen (CT^(x)) concentration in bisphosphonate treated and bisphosphonate naïve patients with ovarian cancer that exhibited bone metastases (N=27). CT^(x) levels dropped in the majority of patients relative to baseline based on plasma samples analyzed by ELISA at weeks 6 and 12 of the study. The results indicate the ability of Compound 1 to inhibit bone resorption.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity and understanding. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be obvious to one of skill in the art that changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the following appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

1. A method for treating bone cancer associated with breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lung cancer, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a compound of Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R¹ is halo; R² is halo; R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl; R⁴ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl; and Q is CH or N.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dual MET and VEGF modulator is a compound of Formula Ia

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R¹ is halo; R² is halo; and Q is CH or N.
 3. The method of claims 1-2, wherein the compound of Formula I is compound 1:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The compound of claim 3, which is N-(4-{[6,7-bis(methyloxy)quinolin-4-yl]oxy}phenyl)-N′-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide.
 5. The method of claims 1-4, wherein the compound of Formula (I), Formula I(a) and Compound 1 is the (L)- or (D)-malate salt.
 6. The method of claims 1-5, wherein the compound of Formula (I) is in the crystalline N-1 form of the (L) malate salt and/or the (D) malate salt.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the bone cancer is bone metastases from lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer.
 8. A method for ameliorating abnormal deposition of unstructured bone accompanied by increased skeletal fractures, spinal cord compression, and severe bone pain of bone metastases, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claims 2-6, optionally as a pharmaceutical composition.
 9. A method for reducing or stabilizing metastatic bone lesions associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound claims 2-6, optionally as a pharmaceutical composition, to a patient in need of such treatment.
 10. A method for reducing, treating or minimizing bone pain due to metastatic bone lesions associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claims 2-6, optionally as a pharmaceutical composition, to a patient in need of such treatment.
 11. A method for preventing bone metastases associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising claims 2-6, optionally as a pharmaceutical composition, to a patient in need of such treatment.
 12. A method for extending the overall survival in patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or thyroid cancer metastasized to bone, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of claims 2-6, optionally as a pharmaceutical composition, to a patient in need of such treatment.
 13. A method for treating bone cancer pain in an individual in need of such treatment comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a compound of claims 2-6, optionally as a pharmaceutical composition.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from cancer originated in bone.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from osteosarcoma.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from cancer metastasized to bone.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from breast cancer metastasized to bone.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the bone cancer pain is from lung cancer metastasized to bone.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from sarcoma metastasized to bone.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from renal cancer metastasized to bone.
 21. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from thyroid cancer metastasized to bone.
 22. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone cancer pain is from melanoma metastasized to bone. 